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Disconnect the battery and let the car sit for a few minutes, then reconnect. The CEL should be gone, and the ECM may have compensated for the headers, and not return. If it doesn't go out, you may need a tune.
I recently installed a set of 1 7/8" Kooks headers into my C6 - only to have the "check engine light" come on. Is this normal?
Yes, its normal for headers. You or somebody else will need to tune it out along with smog emmision police inspection considerations. btw- try filling out your profile.
Most any O'Reilly Auto Parts store, AutoZone, Checker, Advance Auto Parts store, etc, have a code checker that they will let you use free of charge at the store in the parking lot that will not only read the code, but also reset the code and turn off the check engine light. Try that a time or two and see if the car gets used to the new headers. Some have had success doing this and the light did not come back on.
I got a CEL with a code for "MAF out of range" when I started my car for the first time after installing American Racing LT headers. I reset it and it never came back.
Disconnect the battery and let the car sit for a few minutes, then reconnect. The CEL should be gone, and the ECM may have compensated for the headers, and not return. If it doesn't go out, you may need a tune.
The PCM only adjusts minor start-up airflow changes for when the car starts in open loop before the O2 sensors are warmed up. It is a myth and not true that it makes such adjustments as a/f ratio of timing changes which are the basis of a real tune. These things are set and permanant until you tune a car. When the car comes from the factory with a commanded air fuel ratio of 11.8:1 for example, the car will not vary from that regarless of the amount of time a mod is in place. Those variables dont change until you input the values you want in a new tune.
All mods that affect airflow require a retune of the car. Headers in all cases need the car to be tuned. Most change fuel trends by 8-10% and the spark advance is also affected differently in different areas.